Prep Cucumbers in 10 Steps | time of sowing

Doing the work yourself and growing cucumbers yourself has advantages over bought seedlings.

• larger selection of varieties
• Control of crop protection products, seeds and substrate
• cheaper

Early young plants also have a growth advantage over seeded cucumbers. Since cucumbers are not hardy, they can be sown or planted out in mid-May at the earliest.

provide material

• Seeds of the desired variety of cucumber
• Plant pots (10 cm) or seed tray
• suitable substrate (growing soil)
• Drainage material, but at least kitchen paper
• Water for irrigation, possibly with a spray bottle
• clear film to cover

choose time

Cucumber plants should not be brought forward too early. The young plants then get too little light and take care instead of growing vigorously. Early to late April is the best time to move forward. If experience shows that it is difficult for the selected seeds to germinate, a first attempt can also start a little earlier.

Observe temperature and location

Cucumbers need warmth. Not only for growth, but already for germination. When preparing, it should be at least room temperature . If the pots are to be in a cold room, it makes sense to put a special heat mat for plants underneath. A window seat is advantageous once the plants have sprouted, before the pots do not need light. Blazing sun should be avoided, otherwise the soil and young plants will dry out too quickly.

Prefer cucumbers: instructions

1. Let the seeds soak in warm water for 24 hours before sowing, so they will germinate faster afterwards. Another way to encourage germination is to roughen the seeds with a file.
2. Prepare pots or bowls. A drainage layer of small stones or clay beads prevents waterlogging. A piece of kitchen paper over the drainage holes in the pot is also sufficient to prevent the soil from falling out.
3. Fill the pots with soil. It does not have to be potting soil, garden or potting soil is sufficient. However, potting soil is low in nutrients and contains no weed seeds, which is good for the seedlings.
4. Cucumber seeds are dark germinators . Therefore fill the pots only up to about 3 cm below the edge.
5. Moisten the substrate. Water carefully with a watering can or spray thoroughly with water. Press the soil down well.
6. Put seeds on the ground. Two seeds in pots, leaving a few centimeters of space between the seeds in a seed tray.
7. Fill up with soil and press down well again. Then water or moisten again. Be careful not to expose the seeds.
8. Increase humidity for faster germination. This is done with a foil cover. Use cling film, freezer bags or special covers for this.
9. Place the finished pots in the previously chosen location. Ensure even heat and humidity. When the seedlings become visible, move them to a lighter spot, as less heat is then required.
10. Depending on the variety and location, germination takes 7 to 14 days. The colder the pots are, the longer it takes.

Separate young plants

With cucumber seeds sown individually in pots, it is only necessary to remove the excess, weaker plant. The situation is different, if you use a seed tray when growing the cucumbers. At the latest when the first leaves after the cotyledons are visible, the plants must be separated to allow them undisturbed growth.

1. Choose the strongest plants. Carefully remove all others.
2. Prepare pots. Cover drainage holes, fill in nutrient-rich garden soil about halfway.
3. With the help of a thin stick or a so-called pricking stick, remove the young plants directly at the roots from the seed tray.
4. Place the young plants carefully in the prepared pots. It may be helpful to have a small support stick to tie the plant to.
5. Fill pots with soil and press down well.
6. Water carefully, then keep moist but not wet.
7. Choose a bright location for the plants that is not too sunny or too warm.

frequently asked Questions